Australia to host 2015 Asian Cup

Posted Thursday, January 06, 2011 by Heraldsun.com

On the eve of the 2011 tournament in Qatar, the executive committee of the Asian Football Confederation unanimously voted to rubber stamp Australia's bid - the only one for 2015 - giving Frank Lowy some consolation for missing out on the 2022 World Cup.

The decision had been delayed on more than one occasion since Australia lodged its bid last year, with talks on commercial terms continuing until the last minute.

"We're thrilled with this, it's a great event that is growing in stature and importance around the world," Football Federation chief executive Ben Buckley said.

"It's the pinnacle event for football in Asia. As Asian populations and incomes grow rapidly, we anticipate a large number of travelling fans.

"Long term, this will be very good for the game in terms of its profile and footprint in Australia."

According to studies, the tournament would attract some half a million spectators to the games, close to 50,000 international visitors and will add $23 million to Australia's GDP.

The tournament will take place in January and there will be 32 games in total - 24 in the group stage, four quarter-finals, two semi-finals and the final - with the opening ceremony slated for Melbourne and the final in Sydney.

The games are expected to be scheduled for late afternoon and evening to avoid the worst heat of an Australian summer.

The Socceroos qualify automatically as hosts, and organisers plan for them to play group games in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

The Asian Cup has no comparison with the World Cup as a moneyspinner, but it's believed FFA is aiming to reap a modest profit on top of huge exposure.

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